If you think back a decade or more ago, you’ll remember that many motorists opted to purchase sports utility vehicles (SUVs). Many did so, in part, because they believed that the larger their vehicle was, the safer they’d be behind the wheel.
Many motorists are still convinced of this. Is there any data to support such an assumption?
Are bigger cars safer than smaller ones?
Data compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests that car size does impact crash survivability. More specifically, IIHS’ data shows that occupants of SUVs and other larger vehicles are more apt to survive a crash than those who operate sedans in crashes involving unequally sized automobiles.
Motorists who purchase small vehicles do so because they appreciate their fuel economy and the fact that they’re more affordable and maneuverable. These factors don’t make them safe, though. One of the primary reasons larger vehicles are safer than smaller ones is that the former are more effective in absorbing a crash’s impact, reducing the chances of motorists inside suffering serious injuries.
A vehicle’s price also impacts survivability. IIHS data shows that more expensive vehicles tend to have onboard safety features that make them safer than less expensive or older ones without those features, regardless of their size.
Accidents involving unequally sized vehicles often leave occupants with catastrophic injuries. They may require a lifetime of around-the-clock care if they survive those injuries. You may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver that you can use to ensure that you receive the best possible care that you need.
